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Dear John,
Wow, what a year 2020 has been! Thinking back to January, VITA programs have weathered a lot, and there’s a lot more in store for the next season. With virtual or alternative service delivery models under construction and planning well under way, the TON team would like to thank you for your continued and tireless dedication to the clients you serve. I’ve witnessed many back-and-forth conversations on the Tax Roundtable listserv [[link removed]] this year that have informed, educated and inspired me as I consider the future of our field. Before we turn the page on this year, thank you again. I look forward to seeing what 2021 brings and how we can move forward together.
Happy Holidays!
Rebecca M. Thompson, Associate Director, Field Engagement & TON
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
― C.S. Lewis
Spotlight: Virtual VITA Toolkit
With the changing of the seasons, tax planning is in full swing! Virtual is the word of the year, and Prosperity Now is here to help support your Virtual VITA implementation with our new Virtual VITA toolkit [[link removed]]. This toolkit was made possible with the generous support of the Citi Foundation, and includes resources on topics from supporting volunteers to increasing digital literacy among your clients. Download the toolkit and use it in your planning today!
Updates from the Network
Cast Your Vote!
Thanks to all who nominated a peer to serve on the Network Steering Committee (NSC). Now, it’s time to cast your vote. You can find the full slate of nominees here [[link removed]]. And be sure to cast your vote [[link removed]] by December 18.
Raise Your Voice!
Because the pandemic’s fallout has reduced the earnings of millions of low-income people, when they file their tax returns, they may face sharply reduced EITC and CTC. Please take a moment to contact your representatives and senators [[link removed]] and ask them to support the “COVID-19 Earned Income Act” to ensure that low-income families can use the wages reported in their 2019 tax returns to compute the EITC and the CTC on their 2020 tax return.
Enhanced Data Collection
Are you interested in learning more about your clients and how the COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted their sense of financial well-being? Sign up for our Enhanced Data Collection [[link removed]] project to receive survey questions [[link removed]] that will help you learn more. This year, the survey will be available online and via printable format.
The VITA-Train is Here!
All aboard! The VITA-Train is finally here [[link removed]]! The revamped platform provides training at the Advanced Level certification through our modular learning process. In addition, modules feature conversations with the updaters to share their thoughts on the modules and what volunteers can expect. Feel free to explore the modules and supplement your training where you see fit! We’ll be updating the VITA-Train for new content (Extenders, Practice Returns, etc.), so be sure to stay tuned for any update releases!
VITA Leadership Institute Resources
The VITA Leadership Institute Resource page [[link removed]] is now live with fully updated worksheets! You can check out the cultivated resources of the cohort and utilize them for your own programs as you plan for the upcoming filing season.
Knights of the Tax Roundtable
You don’t want to miss out on the most recent Knights of the Tax Roundtable [[link removed]] on the most recent enhanced data collection projects by Prosperity Now. Knights of the Tax Roundtable [[link removed]] puts a face to the names you see on the Tax Roundtable and brings answers to your burning tax hot topics!
Nonprofits Band Together
Partnerships and collaboration are key to any successful venture, especially when it comes to delivering and scaling free tax preparation services. Check out this thought piece [[link removed]] highlighting a key partnership that has and continues to connect eligible filers to VITA programs.
Tools and Information for the FieldUpdates from the IRS and SPEC
Breaking IRS Updates
To stay informed on the most recent IRS updates on the COVID-19 outbreak and the associated Economic Impact Payments, you can go directly to their tax relief page [[link removed]].
News Updates: Form 1040-X E-File
Taxpayers will now be able to file the Form 1040-X for amended returns. Given the current environment, this is invaluable for clients. Please read the IRS press release here [[link removed]].
IRS SPEC Partner Webcast Schedule
Click here [[link removed]] to get the full 2020 schedule for IRS SPEC Partner Webcasts to ensure that you stay up-to-date on the latest news and resources from IRS SPEC.
TaxSlayer Suggestion Box [[link removed]]
Do you have thoughts or ideas on how TaxSlayer could be improved to help you run your sites more efficiently and make it easier to prepare and file more quality returns? Share them in the VITA/TCE Suggestion Box [[link removed]]. Your feedback is needed for federal and state returns as well as reports.
Learning
OpportunitiesUpcoming Learning Opportunities
Join our advocacy campaign [[link removed]] to call for full VITA funding at $30 million! Let your members of Congress hear from you and how important VITA is to your community. Every dollar counts for VITA programs, so please sign on today [[link removed]]!
If you have ideas for future learning events, stories or resources, contact us at
[email protected] [[link removed]].
Recent Webinars and Events
Prosperity Now Report Released
Prosperity Now launched our newest report “ Weathering the Storm [[link removed]].” This report focuses on tax time financial capability and well-being for VITA clients through survey and data analysis. Through cultivation with 25 different sites, this report shares new insights on how VITA clients were faring (pre-pandemic). Pass it on to your networks!
VITA Leadership Institute Year One Analysis [[link removed]]
October 22, 2020
After a successful VITA Leadership Institute, we want you to join us in sharing our results and how we plan on moving forward! This is a can’t-miss event for newer programs wanting to get an inside look at all aspects of a great VITA program!
TON COVID-19 Listening Session [[link removed]]
April 28, 2020
We’ve broken down the most impactful resources from our national partners around COVID-19 as well as the new GetYourRefund.org virtual VITA pilot.
Evaluating Tax Time Savings Behaviors [[link removed]]
Have you ever wondered what tax time savings and behaviors look like on the national scale? Well, wonder no more because the Taxpayer Opportunity Network is here to provide you with the answers!
Latest Tax Prep Dispatch
The Shrinking Offseason [[link removed]]
July 1, 2020
Reset Button [[link removed]]
May 1, 2020
Non-Filers 101 [[link removed]]
April 15, 2020
Alternative Service Delivery Tips! [[link removed]]
April 6, 2020
Signed, Sealed, Delivered? [[link removed]]
March 30, 2020
The Drop-Off Process [[link removed]]
March 19, 2020
COVID-19 and VITA [[link removed]]
March 13, 2020
Browse older editions of the Dispatch [[link removed]]
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